I'm not a food critic, and I don't even play one on TV. So don't confuse me with those food show guys (although my classic car is cooler than the one that other guy on Food Network has) but I do like to eat.

I'm just the sports editor at the Enquirer and that means I've eaten at a lot of different places while on the road covering games. So getting to sample some of the best food in the Battle Creek area seems like a good idea. I was able to trick the Enquirer's WOW editor Annie Kelley into letting me do it, so here is Bill's Bites.

When December rolls around, I often think of two things — the holidays and holiday movies.

And what goes perfectly with both? Some popcorn of course.

There's nothing better when sitting down for one of the big-budget holiday movies than some popcorn. And there aren't many better gifts for a favorite uncle at the holidays, than a tin of popcorn (that's a hint for all my nieces and nephews).

Which means Wirtz Family Popcorn came to town just in time to make this December complete as the new Battle Creek business features gourmet popcorn in dozens of interesting flavors, making it an easy choice for the next stop on the Bill's Bites tour.

CLOSE

Bill Broderick takes a bite out of a handful of Battle Creek-style popcorn from a new shop this week.
Andy Fitzpatrick

Opening in November, we figured we would let them get through a couple weeks before we popped in for some popcorn. And the short wait made it that much better, it turns out, as those behind the counter at Wirtz Family Popcorn said they are inventing new flavors every week.

However, three of the flavors struck the Bill's Bites crew right away. Since we are all about supporting local foodies, we love the fact that Wirtz features a popcorn called Battle Creek-style popcorn. And with the holidays around the corner, it was basically a gift to find North Pole Caramel Corn popcorn. And since Bill's Bites is often accused of being pretty full of himself while he's filling himself with food — the Billy Butter popcorn had my name written all over it.

Or, did that sound too corny?

Best time of day to eat this is at 1:15 p.m.

Why 1:15 p.m.? Well, that's usually when I am heading out to a matinee movie while I have a few days off during the holidays. Sure, getting some popcorn at the theater is traditional, and sneaking some popcorn in under your coat is unethical, but this gourmet version of the fluffy stuff is too good to leave out when going to the theater. However, since I'm not going to suggest you actually sneak popcorn to your movie, I would say whenever you feel like munching, it is a good time to head to Wirtz Family Popcorn and sample some of the flavors.

And a fun flavor for Cereal City popcorn fans is the aforementioned Battle Creek-style popcorn. Traditionally called Chicago-style popcorn, Wirtz has made the style its own with its hometown in the title. It is a blend of caramel corn and cheddar popcorn with a slight hint of some jalapeno flavoring mixed in. The sweet and cheesy mix is best if you get both types in your mouth at the same time, so those flavors can dance on the tongue together.

Not headed to the movies, but looking to fill that need for the holidays? The North Pole caramel corn tastes like it comes right out of the kitchen of Mrs. Claus with caramel corn that's flavored with milk chocolate, crushed peppermint and powdered sugar. Forget leaving some cookies and milk for Santa this year, leave a bowl of this caramel corn concoction and you may find the haul you get under the tree to be a little more hefty.

If you like that kind of thing, this is eclectic

While the above styles are early favorites for Bill's Bites, they are far from the complete list. With dozens of current flavors currently on hand, the folks at Wirtz say the menu to choose from will only grow.

Already impressive, you can get Ragin' Cajun popcorn for a little spice, something called Big Foot Munch for an even bigger taste, and Salted Caramel Corn for the classic sweet and savory mix. New in recent weeks — based on a comment from a young visitor — is P,B&J popcorn, which tastes like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Plus, there are even more interesting flavors being tested but aren't ready for the showroom floor, like popcorn that tastes like sour candy, or something that tastes like pop rocks, which might even include some fizz.

So, this gourmet popcorn certainly lends itself to someone with an eclectic palate (if we are even allowed to use such fancy words when talking about popcorn in Bill's Bites). But there is also something for the classic popcorn eater. Getting requests for plain buttered popcorn, the "scientists" at Wirtz came up with Billy Butter popcorn — which is just fluffy popcorn with a buttery taste. I have to say it's pretty good, and I really like the name.

As a sports guy, this popcorn remind me of Terrell Owens

The former NFL receiver took eating popcorn to another level. When playing for the Dallas Cowboys, the usually outspoken Terrell Owens didn't want to meet with reporters one week and instead wrote a note explaining he would let his actions do the talking, but added "get your popcorn ready." Then when he scored a touchdown, he famously grabbed a box of popcorn from a fan near the end zone and dumped it into his mouth through his facemask. Fortunately Battle Creek-area popcorn lovers won't have to go to that much trouble as they need only to stop by Wirtz to score some gourmet popcorn.

I'm not a food critic, but if you asked me I'd describe this by saying it's a gift

We hinted above that this popcorn is great for movie lovers. And it is. Wirtz even features a movie-style popcorn bucket you can buy for $19.95 that you can fill with your favorite flavored corn, and then come back and refill it with any style for $5. But what this family shop really offers is a chance to get some popcorn for some special people in your lives during this season of gifting. There are gift bags, gift tins, gift boxes, which can all feature whatever flavors you choose.

But the real gift for popcorn lovers is that Wirtz Family Gourmet Popcorn has set up shop in Battle Creek, meaning you can pop in during the holidays and all year long.

Bill's Bites

•This week's restaurant: Wirtz Family Popcorn , 898 Capital Ave. S.W.

•Item: Gourmet Popcorn.

•Cost: See menu.

•Online: See video of visit by Bill's Bites to Wirtz Family Popcorn at battlecreekenquir­er.com.

May I have your order?

Tell us about a favorite or unique food item at a local restaurant and Bill's Bites may make a visit. Send tips to bbroderi@battlec­reek­enquirer.com.